Investigators believe someone killed Davis and then set the fire to hide the crime.

Davis had developed a reputation in Teaneck. At council meetings, she was feisty and one of the most vocal members of the community. She told neighbors she was a retired professor from Fairleigh Dickinson University, but the University issued the following statement: According to university records, the person in question, Joan Davis, was never an employee of Fairleigh Dickinson University.

"Everyone knew when it was time to speak, Joan was first," neighbor Iris said. "She would challenge them on what the right thing to do was."

Neighbors say she always pushed for saving town money, did her research and kept council members on their toes.

Davis spent her life asking tough questions. Now, detectives and friends are doing the same.